UCLA Women's Basketball: Bruins Guard Amped Up For USC Showdown
To say Saturday night's game between No. 2 UCLA and No. 6 USC is an important one would be a massive understatement.
Rarely do you see two programs separated by a few miles both rank at the top of their respective sport at the same time. One then has to factor in the inherent discord between both programs historically speaking. Some family members have allegiance to the cardinal and gold, while others are deeply rooted in blue and gold.
UCLA and USC have become recruiting juggernauts in the world of Women's College Basketball. As such, the talent on both of these teams is immense.
There's also star power all over the court -- from UCLA center Lauren Betts and guard Kiki Rice, to USC phenom freshman JuJu Watkins and center Rayah Marshall. Betts, Rice, and Bruins guard Charisma Osborne are all candidates to become All-Americans. Watkins is averaging a mind-boggling 26.8 PPG through the first nine games of her collegiate career. Imagine what she'll look like as an upperclassman.
These two undefeated teams will square off at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood. The game has already been sold out, and the expected energy surrounding this contest is already immense.
When speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Rice had this quote about the contest:
"To play a game where it’s going to be packed in here, it’s going to be sold out, the noise, the environment, I’m really excited. I think that’s really what I came to UCLA to be a part of."
For UCLA, the game plan is simple: Stop Watkins.
USC's star freshman can score from anywhere on the floor. Not only is she athletic and aggressive, but she's very skilled. Watkins also doesn't shy away from the big moment. Instead, she relishes the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
While Watkins might be the main attraction, UCLA has the deeper roster -- led by a bevy of sophomores in Betts, Rice, Gabriela Jaquez (sister of Jaime), and Londynn Jones. When adding in the veteran leadership of Osborne, the Bruins have five women averaging at least 13.4 PPG.
Both teams also have been battle-tested to this point. En route to their current 10-0 record, USC has beaten the likes of Ohio State, Seton Hall, Penn State, and Long Beach State.
Not to be outdone, Cori Close's Bruins have racked up several high-profile non-conference wins over teams such as Princeton, Purdue, Arkansas, Ohio State, Florida State, and UConn.